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BSU Football #1
Breaking Defenses
I never should’ve loaned him my lucky pencil.
Like every female in high school I was captivated when he spoke to me. I had no idea that moment would cause irrevocable damage.
Over two years later I’m face to face with Carey Slade again. This time I won’t get caught up in his good looks and oozing charm. I work three jobs and get straight A’s. I can’t afford to get distracted. Not again.
Rowan and I have history. History I plan to take to the grave.
My football career depends on me passing a class and Rowan is assigned as my tutor. I never thought I’d see her again after high school. She’s different from the girl I remember—confident, smokin’ hot, funny as hell.
I’m the man responsible for ruining her life.
If I have my way, she’ll never find out.
Like every female in high school I was captivated when he spoke to me. I had no idea that moment would cause irrevocable damage.
Over two years later I’m face to face with Carey Slade again. This time I won’t get caught up in his good looks and oozing charm. I work three jobs and get straight A’s. I can’t afford to get distracted. Not again.
Rowan and I have history. History I plan to take to the grave.
My football career depends on me passing a class and Rowan is assigned as my tutor. I never thought I’d see her again after high school. She’s different from the girl I remember—confident, smokin’ hot, funny as hell.
I’m the man responsible for ruining her life.
If I have my way, she’ll never find out.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2019
686 people are currently reading
944 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Salsbury
38 books5,365 followersJ.B. Salsbury is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and two kids.
Her love of good storytelling led her to earn a degree in Media Communications. With her journalistic background, writing has always been at the forefront, and her love of romance propelled her career as an author.
She spends the majority of her day behind the computer where a world of battling alphas, budding romance, and impossible obstacles claws away at her subconscious and begs to be released to the page.
Never miss a release:
http://jbsalsbury.com/newsletter-sign...
For more information on
her books, or just to say hello, visit JB on her website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Web: http://www.jbsalsbury.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/JBSalsburybooks
T: https://twitter.com/JBSalsbury
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbsalsbury/
Her love of good storytelling led her to earn a degree in Media Communications. With her journalistic background, writing has always been at the forefront, and her love of romance propelled her career as an author.
She spends the majority of her day behind the computer where a world of battling alphas, budding romance, and impossible obstacles claws away at her subconscious and begs to be released to the page.
Never miss a release:
http://jbsalsbury.com/newsletter-sign...
For more information on
her books, or just to say hello, visit JB on her website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Web: http://www.jbsalsbury.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/JBSalsburybooks
T: https://twitter.com/JBSalsbury
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbsalsbury/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
December 17, 2019
2.5 but rounding up because it was safe.
My biggest issues is how quick everything happened. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for insta-love as I've read quite a bit of this but this...the Hero literally had a "marathon" night of sex with OW the night before he met the heroine again. Then within a week he was claiming to be "in love" with her. It just didn't ring true to his character (he was exactly like his father - different girl every few days, etc ect ect). Had the story taken place over a couple months then yeah, I'd totally get on board with this but I just can't. There was no proof to his commitment considering we never saw any temptation being thrown his way.
Plus the whole fact that the Hero is the reason the heroine's life went in the shitter and she forgave him after just 2 days was implausible. She lost EVERYTHING because of him. She was written as this strong girl who overcame so much to succeed and was working her ass off but then she just rolls over when he fails a test for her? Say what??!!
Bonus...she wasn't a virgin BUT compared to him she was (and she acknowledged it too). No STD talk and no commitment of any kind talk before she jumped in bed with him.
It just wasn't a winner story wise but overall well written.
My biggest issues is how quick everything happened. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for insta-love as I've read quite a bit of this but this...the Hero literally had a "marathon" night of sex with OW the night before he met the heroine again. Then within a week he was claiming to be "in love" with her. It just didn't ring true to his character (he was exactly like his father - different girl every few days, etc ect ect). Had the story taken place over a couple months then yeah, I'd totally get on board with this but I just can't. There was no proof to his commitment considering we never saw any temptation being thrown his way.
Plus the whole fact that the Hero is the reason the heroine's life went in the shitter and she forgave him after just 2 days was implausible. She lost EVERYTHING because of him. She was written as this strong girl who overcame so much to succeed and was working her ass off but then she just rolls over when he fails a test for her? Say what??!!
Bonus...she wasn't a virgin BUT compared to him she was (and she acknowledged it too). No STD talk and no commitment of any kind talk before she jumped in bed with him.
It just wasn't a winner story wise but overall well written.
January 24, 2020
So some people have said that it’s safe with exceptions. However, I don’t think it’s safe at all. He’s known her in high school they didn’t talk to each other but he knew who she was. He knew her well enough To know her name, the type of car she drives, and the type of sweater she wears every winter. So even though they’ve never talked to each other, he has seen her around school. For me, the fact that he had seen her for years and never considered pursuing her and slept with tons of other women was pretty gross to me. I don’t find that to be safe at all.
When he meets her again in college, he mentions how much more attractive she is now. So, what? She was ugly to him in high school?? Gross. I also think what he did to her and the repercussions of his actions needed a lot more than just two days of separation. It was pretty fucking bad. Meh. He was also a major major man whore during the years of separation between high school and when they see each other again in college.
When he meets her again in college, he mentions how much more attractive she is now. So, what? She was ugly to him in high school?? Gross. I also think what he did to her and the repercussions of his actions needed a lot more than just two days of separation. It was pretty fucking bad. Meh. He was also a major major man whore during the years of separation between high school and when they see each other again in college.
September 15, 2022
Carey Slade. The high school football player who grew up to be even hotter and excel at his sport in college. He's the guy every dude wants to be friends with and the guy all girls want to be with. Something happened in senior year that changed him for the better, but for Rowan her life just got worse. He couldn't even comprehend how his silence impacted her.
Now, at college he is failing a class. If he doesn't pass it, he will sit out the most important game of the season. A tutor is hired, and he just wants to get this entire thing over with and put behind him.
Crazy though, the one girl who took the fall, just so happens to be the one hired to help him pass his final.
Session and session he finds himself more enamored by her. By her strength, by her tenacious strive to be better... he finds himself wanting to be around her without tests and textbooks. Only thing is, he needs to help convince her that he could want more than one night.
This was a sweet, almost too insta love for me sports romance. Carey was a good guy that just needed to find the one and Rowan need, no deserved to be loved and cared for. She'd been doing it alone for way too long.
Now, at college he is failing a class. If he doesn't pass it, he will sit out the most important game of the season. A tutor is hired, and he just wants to get this entire thing over with and put behind him.
Crazy though, the one girl who took the fall, just so happens to be the one hired to help him pass his final.
Session and session he finds himself more enamored by her. By her strength, by her tenacious strive to be better... he finds himself wanting to be around her without tests and textbooks. Only thing is, he needs to help convince her that he could want more than one night.
This was a sweet, almost too insta love for me sports romance. Carey was a good guy that just needed to find the one and Rowan need, no deserved to be loved and cared for. She'd been doing it alone for way too long.
February 13, 2020
He ruined her life. He just doesnt realize it till they meet again 2 years later. He tried to cheat instead she gets blamed. He doesnt learn that she lost her academic scholarship and now works 3 jobs, lives in a crap apartment which is a garage, misses meals so she can live.
When she shows to tutor a student she had no clue it was him. He doesnt even seem to remember what happened, no acknowledgment, nothing. He does flirt and god it is hard for her to deny it. He looks at her and he sees the amazing woman that she had become, sexy, confident, funny, amazing, drawn to her he knows he can never reveal it was him who caused her to change her life.
They spend time together, studying, and more and soon are very close and then the past comes to roost and risk to end everything. Will he be able to prove his sorrow and to make amends? Will she forgive him?
When she shows to tutor a student she had no clue it was him. He doesnt even seem to remember what happened, no acknowledgment, nothing. He does flirt and god it is hard for her to deny it. He looks at her and he sees the amazing woman that she had become, sexy, confident, funny, amazing, drawn to her he knows he can never reveal it was him who caused her to change her life.
They spend time together, studying, and more and soon are very close and then the past comes to roost and risk to end everything. Will he be able to prove his sorrow and to make amends? Will she forgive him?
December 14, 2019
3.5 🌟🌟
December 30, 2019
College...... check
Tutor........ check
Football player..... check
I really love stories where the jerk jock falls for the hot somewhat nerdy tutor.
Tutor........ check
Football player..... check
I really love stories where the jerk jock falls for the hot somewhat nerdy tutor.
December 14, 2019
Breaking Defenses was such a pleasant little Christmas surprise from the author. I am a huge fan of the Fighting series, so I love it when one of the kids of the main characters get their own story. Carey Slade is the son of Raven and Jonah and is a football player. Rowan hasn't had a very easy life and focuses completely on her studies. Carey and Rowan know each other from high school, he was the popular football player, while she was a bit of a nerd. Because of a very unfair incident in high school she loses her scholarship which makes her life so much harder. She works three jobs to pay for school, and of those jobs is as a tutor. Rowan is assigned as Carey's tutor when he is failing his math class. And during these tutoring period Carey starts to notice Rowan in a different light.
I really enjoyed how their friendship developed, and I especially loved it when Carey started to get jealous when he saw that other guys were paying attention to her. Rowan is a good girl that definitely deserved a break in her life, and Carey did his best to help her out when he could. These two were a great match and the chemistry was great. Breaking Defenses is a perfect light and fun new adult novella, with a couple of sexy scenes. I loved seeing a couple of my favorite characters make an appearance, and I also enjoyed getting to know Carey's team/roommates. I look forward to Carey's roommates getting their own books. Even though this is a novella, I think the author did a great job in telling Carey and Rowan's story. It didn't feel rushed, and I felt a connection to them right away. I enjoyed this book a lot and it really makes me want to reread the Fighting series.
December 9, 2019
Wow! Not what I was expecting from the son of Jonah and Raven. At least not in the beginning. But I think, once push came to shove, Carey realized maybe he wasn't living up to his full potential and he took steps to change things. Once again this author gave her readers a fantastic story that was definitely a fantastic addition to the next generation. And I really loved Rowan!!! Truly a J.B. Salsbury heroine!!!
December 25, 2019
My Christmas reading list had to include at least one sports-related story. I chose well. Thanks to J.B. Salsbury, who has given readers a novella that hits all the feels. A couple of great characters in Rowan and Carey, too. Of course, Carey is the jock and Rowan, the nerd. They attended the same high school, but never ran in the same circle of friends. And Carey made a big mistake - one that would soon cross-paths with him in college. Rowan's life has been a sad state of affairs and her only hope for a better life came with a scholarship to college. When that slipped through her fingers, life got challenging. A tutoring session puts her face-to-face with Carey.
The college football star doesn't do relationships. Rowan isn't a one-night stand kinda gal. And she's also a beautiful nerd that Carey finds himself drawn to more and more with each encounter. Their growing attraction is sizzling, the banter invigorating, and the summation magnetic.
A standalone novella that will put a sparkle in your holidays and a smile on your face.
The college football star doesn't do relationships. Rowan isn't a one-night stand kinda gal. And she's also a beautiful nerd that Carey finds himself drawn to more and more with each encounter. Their growing attraction is sizzling, the banter invigorating, and the summation magnetic.
A standalone novella that will put a sparkle in your holidays and a smile on your face.
November 13, 2024
I really like this series, just know it's PG-13 at best, and not a lot of sex. But it's really funny and sweet and a good cleanse between all the dirty smut I read. Important series info below.
Rowan (super smart) is ready to graduate high school, all she needs to do is pass her last final and she'll get a full scholarship to college. Unfortunately, she sits next to Carey Slade (rich, football jock), who chose other ways to pass the test instead of studying. Because of those actions, Ro loses her scholarship, though she doesn't know it's Carey's fault.
Two years later, Carey is playing college football and he's just failed a class that will keep him from playing in the bowl game. Along comes his new tutor, you guessed it, Rowan. She's pretty hot now, though she still wears really baggy clothes to cover her hot girl body.
Even though Carey is ready to take things further between the two of them, Rowan isn't so easily convinced. He eventually wins her over and they end up together. Guess what happens next- you guessed it (you're so smart) - Rowan finds out that it's Carey's fault that she lost her scholarship. These two do end up getting their HEA/HFN.
This series ended up being really funny and adorable. Carey's roommates and their eventual lady loves all mesh together so well. Plus - they're really short books so you can read them quickly for a good laugh.
SEX: First, they barely have one sex scene in each book. I would have REALLY liked it to have more. That said, their love was super sweet and I liked the way it progressed. The thing I was super annoyed with, even more so than the lack of sex, was that when she finds out the truth, she forgives him within a day. I feel like what he did to her deserved at least a weeks worth of silent treatment.
VIRGINS: There are no virgins in this series, even though all of the FMCs (with the exception of Emery) are written to be nerdy, shy, homely, etc. I just wanted it to make sense, and that part didn't.
FMCs: I can't believe there is a series where I absolutely LOVED every single FMC. Even though they all have pretty much the same traits, I think they're all different enough for me to see them as individuals.
LEVI: Loren's brother, Levi, is mentioned throughout the books, and the last one it's really written like he'll get his own story. So far, there hasn't been one published.
HEAs: There are really only HFNs. The couples all stay in college in the same house up until Book 4. That book has everyone graduating, but the only couple who you see in the future is Kaipo and Ophelia, which has them engaged.
For me, love is ruthless. It doesn’t consider my plans or ideals. Love stalks its prey. It’s a shotgun to the chest, a battering ram that brakes all my defenses, and leaves me breathless for more.
Rowan (super smart) is ready to graduate high school, all she needs to do is pass her last final and she'll get a full scholarship to college. Unfortunately, she sits next to Carey Slade (rich, football jock), who chose other ways to pass the test instead of studying. Because of those actions, Ro loses her scholarship, though she doesn't know it's Carey's fault.
Two years later, Carey is playing college football and he's just failed a class that will keep him from playing in the bowl game. Along comes his new tutor, you guessed it, Rowan. She's pretty hot now, though she still wears really baggy clothes to cover her hot girl body.
Even though Carey is ready to take things further between the two of them, Rowan isn't so easily convinced. He eventually wins her over and they end up together. Guess what happens next- you guessed it (you're so smart) - Rowan finds out that it's Carey's fault that she lost her scholarship. These two do end up getting their HEA/HFN.
This series ended up being really funny and adorable. Carey's roommates and their eventual lady loves all mesh together so well. Plus - they're really short books so you can read them quickly for a good laugh.
SEX: First, they barely have one sex scene in each book. I would have REALLY liked it to have more. That said, their love was super sweet and I liked the way it progressed. The thing I was super annoyed with, even more so than the lack of sex, was that when she finds out the truth, she forgives him within a day. I feel like what he did to her deserved at least a weeks worth of silent treatment.
VIRGINS: There are no virgins in this series, even though all of the FMCs (with the exception of Emery) are written to be nerdy, shy, homely, etc. I just wanted it to make sense, and that part didn't.
FMCs: I can't believe there is a series where I absolutely LOVED every single FMC. Even though they all have pretty much the same traits, I think they're all different enough for me to see them as individuals.
LEVI: Loren's brother, Levi, is mentioned throughout the books, and the last one it's really written like he'll get his own story. So far, there hasn't been one published.
HEAs: There are really only HFNs. The couples all stay in college in the same house up until Book 4. That book has everyone graduating, but the only couple who you see in the future is Kaipo and Ophelia, which has them engaged.
December 13, 2019
A nice novella featuring Carey Slade, son of Jonah and Raven Slade (fromFighting for Flight) and a girl he knew in high school, Rowan. Rowan, who was always a math wiz, must tutor him so he can keep his spot on the football team. Problem is, Carey is hiding a terrible secret that could implode their budding romance. I really enjoyed this introduction to her upcoming new series, featuring Carey's collegiate football teammates. I am especially excited about Spider's story.
December 14, 2019
2.5
It started out ok, but then turned into a rush job. I find it hard to believe you’d forgive a guy that cost you a full ride to college in 24 hours.
It started out ok, but then turned into a rush job. I find it hard to believe you’d forgive a guy that cost you a full ride to college in 24 hours.
December 13, 2019
4 Care Bear Stars
If you enjoyed the “Fighting,” series by, J.B. Salsbury, you should give this novella a read. This book is about Carey, Jonah and Raven Spade’s son. He’s a collage football star that ends up falling for the nerdy girl from high school that he threw under the bus, during his senior year. Fast forward several years later, they both attend the same collage, and he’s assigned a math tutor—none other than Rowan Campbell...the nerdy girl that has no idea it was Carey, that changed the course of her collage dreams.
This book was great up until around the 80% mark. After the twist, the conclusion felt a little less fluid, which often happens in novellas. The author mentions this book was a Christmas gift to her fans, so I’ll thankfully take it as is. The ending was pretty sweet...I love to seeing a big brute of a guy fall helplessly in love!
I was also excited to see that some of the supporting character in this book will getting their own books in the future, it looks like a new sports romance series from this author is on the horizon!!!
If you enjoyed the “Fighting,” series by, J.B. Salsbury, you should give this novella a read. This book is about Carey, Jonah and Raven Spade’s son. He’s a collage football star that ends up falling for the nerdy girl from high school that he threw under the bus, during his senior year. Fast forward several years later, they both attend the same collage, and he’s assigned a math tutor—none other than Rowan Campbell...the nerdy girl that has no idea it was Carey, that changed the course of her collage dreams.
This book was great up until around the 80% mark. After the twist, the conclusion felt a little less fluid, which often happens in novellas. The author mentions this book was a Christmas gift to her fans, so I’ll thankfully take it as is. The ending was pretty sweet...I love to seeing a big brute of a guy fall helplessly in love!
I was also excited to see that some of the supporting character in this book will getting their own books in the future, it looks like a new sports romance series from this author is on the horizon!!!
December 3, 2019
Breaking Defenses is old school JB Salsbury at her very best.
If you fell in love with Jonah Slade back when Salsbury debuted Fighting for Flight, then you absolutely won't want to miss his son Carey's book. We've gotten tiny snippets of baby Carey in the Fighting Series, and then later as a teenager in Jack & Sadie. But now that chip off the ol' block is 21 and melting hearts like the inferno he is.
We get a brief look into his high school life, where he and Rowan's story begins. The catalyst that will set her life in a direction she wasn't planning. Though it's hard to keep a girl like Rowan down. She's smart and strong and not letting anything stand in the way of getting her dreams.
So when by chance, they meet again a few years down the road Carey finds himself taking his secret to the grave.
Breaking Defenses is witty and sexy with so many laugh out loud moments. Watching these two try and fight the chemistry pulling them together leaves you turning the page as fast as you can. I loved meeting a new set of characters, along with a visit from the entire Slade crew.
This was a five star, loved-every-minute-of-it read for me.
If you fell in love with Jonah Slade back when Salsbury debuted Fighting for Flight, then you absolutely won't want to miss his son Carey's book. We've gotten tiny snippets of baby Carey in the Fighting Series, and then later as a teenager in Jack & Sadie. But now that chip off the ol' block is 21 and melting hearts like the inferno he is.
We get a brief look into his high school life, where he and Rowan's story begins. The catalyst that will set her life in a direction she wasn't planning. Though it's hard to keep a girl like Rowan down. She's smart and strong and not letting anything stand in the way of getting her dreams.
So when by chance, they meet again a few years down the road Carey finds himself taking his secret to the grave.
Breaking Defenses is witty and sexy with so many laugh out loud moments. Watching these two try and fight the chemistry pulling them together leaves you turning the page as fast as you can. I loved meeting a new set of characters, along with a visit from the entire Slade crew.
This was a five star, loved-every-minute-of-it read for me.
December 8, 2019
This book is amazing !!!! Homeric once again!
Love love this book and author ! 💕💕💕💕
Love love this book and author ! 💕💕💕💕
December 15, 2019
4 stars
Fans of the Fighting series will be all over this novella, the story of Carey - son of Jonah and Raven from Fighting for Flight. It’s a fun, sweet and sexy NA romance that can also be read as a standalone
Jonah Slade is a college football star, campus playboy, and son of an MMA legend. Spoiled, and a bit entitled, he has failed an accounting exam and needs a tutor to help him get his grades back up, and he is assigned Rowan, a girl he knew in high school. Rowan watched Jonah from afar in high school until an incident in their senior year derailed her whole life. She has fought so hard to get where she is and every day is a struggle, but she’s working hard for the life she’s dreamed of. Jonah and Rowan are from completely different worlds, but they form a quick friendship that is full of banter and flirting… mostly on Carey’s part.
Things move quickly, and it’s a fun, sweet and sexy ride as Carey learns what is it to want something more than just sex from a woman, and he manages to win Rowan over. She is such a fantastic heroine – strong and sassy, and I just loved her. And I loved watching them find their way forward together.
Carey isn’t an instantly loveable character, but there’s something charming about him, and he shows great growth throughout the story. But he is keeping a secret, one that threatens to destroy everything they found together. It’s something that the reader knows about from the beginning, so we know it’s coming, and I was thrilled that it played out so well – realistically, functionally and bringing just the right amount of much drama.
But on the whole this is a light and funny read. I laughed out loud so many times at Carey’s antics and inner monologue, and one of the highlights in this book for me was seeing the awesomeness that is whole Slade clan all grown up and together.
The introduction of Carey’s roommates is also fantastic. They are a great bunch of guys, and I’m so excited that they will each be getting their own stories in an upcoming series.
This is a great little read. It’s funny, sexy and romantic, with a lot of heart. I loved it.
4 stars.
Fans of the Fighting series will be all over this novella, the story of Carey - son of Jonah and Raven from Fighting for Flight. It’s a fun, sweet and sexy NA romance that can also be read as a standalone
Jonah Slade is a college football star, campus playboy, and son of an MMA legend. Spoiled, and a bit entitled, he has failed an accounting exam and needs a tutor to help him get his grades back up, and he is assigned Rowan, a girl he knew in high school. Rowan watched Jonah from afar in high school until an incident in their senior year derailed her whole life. She has fought so hard to get where she is and every day is a struggle, but she’s working hard for the life she’s dreamed of. Jonah and Rowan are from completely different worlds, but they form a quick friendship that is full of banter and flirting… mostly on Carey’s part.
She puts the paper down in front of me and leans over, giving me the perfect view of her white lace bra. “…Carey, are you listening?”
“Uhhh… no.” I can’t stop staring at her boobs. I knew she had them. I didn’t know they’d be so perfectly round and creamy. I bet her nipples are red--.
“You’d be better off if you’d actually look at the paper.”
“I disagree.”
Things move quickly, and it’s a fun, sweet and sexy ride as Carey learns what is it to want something more than just sex from a woman, and he manages to win Rowan over. She is such a fantastic heroine – strong and sassy, and I just loved her. And I loved watching them find their way forward together.
“If we do this, you’re mine.”
Her eyes flicker with defiance and fuck me, I feel that in my dick. “And you’d be mine.”
“One hundred percent yes.”
Carey isn’t an instantly loveable character, but there’s something charming about him, and he shows great growth throughout the story. But he is keeping a secret, one that threatens to destroy everything they found together. It’s something that the reader knows about from the beginning, so we know it’s coming, and I was thrilled that it played out so well – realistically, functionally and bringing just the right amount of much drama.
But on the whole this is a light and funny read. I laughed out loud so many times at Carey’s antics and inner monologue, and one of the highlights in this book for me was seeing the awesomeness that is whole Slade clan all grown up and together.
“You’re doing the right thing. If you really care for this girl, you need to respect her boundaries.”
“But how do I get her to understand that I want to be more than friends--”
The plate slips from my dad’s grip sending a wave of dishwater to the floor.
“Really,” I say dryly. “You’re so fucking shocked by me wanting a relationship with a girl that you drop a damn plate?”
“It was slippery.”
I roll my eyes. “Anyway, I need her to know I’m in this for the long haul. However long it takes, I want to be with her. Committed. I want her to be my…my…”
“Girlfriend,” Jack pipes up from the opposite side of the kitchen with his back facing us.
“You got fucking bat ears or something?”
He waves a finger indicating the walls. “Good acoustics in here.”
“Suck a dick, Daniels. You hear that?”
“I did, but you know that’s your sister’s job – ouch!” He rubs his arms where I just landed a solid punch.
“You deserved that,” my dad says to him.
The introduction of Carey’s roommates is also fantastic. They are a great bunch of guys, and I’m so excited that they will each be getting their own stories in an upcoming series.
This is a great little read. It’s funny, sexy and romantic, with a lot of heart. I loved it.
4 stars.
December 17, 2019
Breaking the mold.
Yes please and thank you. This novela was perfect for the mood I was in. I didn't want anything too heavy or overly dramatic. It was nice and I really loved the characters. I liked that Rowan was a strong female and not a pushover, she's a very likeable female lead. It had one or two too many sexy scenes for my preference, but I know most romance readers will not complain about that, so enjoy. I'm looking forward to more from JB.
Yes please and thank you. This novela was perfect for the mood I was in. I didn't want anything too heavy or overly dramatic. It was nice and I really loved the characters. I liked that Rowan was a strong female and not a pushover, she's a very likeable female lead. It had one or two too many sexy scenes for my preference, but I know most romance readers will not complain about that, so enjoy. I'm looking forward to more from JB.
December 17, 2019
It’s not poorly written, but I can’t imagine forgiving someone who cost me a full ride to college. Like she says sometimes she can’t afford to eat and she has three jobs. Sorry that’s unbelievable. Like her life was shit and he literally has a nice and easy life. There’s no inner struggle aside from passing his final. It really bugged me and prevented me from really enjoying it. She forgave him too quickly and it felt rushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2019
Carey and Rowan in highschool seem just about right. But goodness, that girl is strong despite life's constant speed bumps.
He's a bit spoiled and a playboy. He needs to pass an exam that allows him to play in a football bowl game. His tutor is Rowan.
It takes awhile for Carey to "deserve" this wonderful girl. He's been raised right. His dad said to reserve his bed for only the most special girl. Carey knows something of the past will hurt Rowan but he cares too much to let it go.
Will they survive?
He's a bit spoiled and a playboy. He needs to pass an exam that allows him to play in a football bowl game. His tutor is Rowan.
It takes awhile for Carey to "deserve" this wonderful girl. He's been raised right. His dad said to reserve his bed for only the most special girl. Carey knows something of the past will hurt Rowan but he cares too much to let it go.
Will they survive?
October 23, 2020
2 stars...ummm I can't get over the test cheating and letting the heroine take the fall and the hero is an ultimate manwhore which makes it impossible to believe he fell in love in the spun of 7 days with his Math tutor..
He did not grovel much as well the heroine is the one who came to him when he failed his test..great start of the series but the hero did not really impressed me..No cute epilogue as well only few months after which again did not satisfy me
#Jock&Nerd
#Football&Math
#ManwhorePlayer
#BreakingDefenses
He did not grovel much as well the heroine is the one who came to him when he failed his test..great start of the series but the hero did not really impressed me..No cute epilogue as well only few months after which again did not satisfy me
#Jock&Nerd
#Football&Math
#ManwhorePlayer
#BreakingDefenses
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2021
The plot was really good and I thought it had potential, but the story was rushed to a point where everything seemed fake. I don't like insta love (not what really happened here but almost) so the relationship between them was weird.
October 5, 2021
I fell in love with Carey and Rowan's characters. I actually loved how they went to high school together, but never really talked to one another. Then, in college, Carey needed help with accounting and fell for Rowan. Of course, there were challenges, but they were super cute together. I enjoyed the writing style and plot of the book.
May 26, 2025
Some of the humor was silly but overall I enjoyed this one! I was hoping for some more dramatics at the end when when she found out that he was the one who cheated on the test.
Overall: 3.5
Overall: 3.5
December 14, 2019
***AVAILABLE NOW - NOVELLA***
4 CROWNS
I really enjoyed this book. It focuses on the son of, apparently, a couple from a previous series. Having never read this series or this author, I had zero background, and I still really liked it.
Carey is the athletic hero dream minus the jerk complex. There is a tiny moment when he is younger, but the man we meet is swoon-worthy.
I loved Rowan. She is driven, fierce. There are moments where her insecurities overpower her, and I do wish we would have gotten a but now of her background to truly understand why. We are given enough, but I would have liked more. I did enjoy the evolution of her character.
The story, being a novella, is insta-love, which I’m okay with, and the conflict is clear from the beginning. I still really liked them as a couple. As with most novellas, though, I did wish for more areas of development.
What The author did do was intrigue me for all the other football players in the house! I hope she has plans to write them in the future.
4 CROWNS
I really enjoyed this book. It focuses on the son of, apparently, a couple from a previous series. Having never read this series or this author, I had zero background, and I still really liked it.
Carey is the athletic hero dream minus the jerk complex. There is a tiny moment when he is younger, but the man we meet is swoon-worthy.
I loved Rowan. She is driven, fierce. There are moments where her insecurities overpower her, and I do wish we would have gotten a but now of her background to truly understand why. We are given enough, but I would have liked more. I did enjoy the evolution of her character.
The story, being a novella, is insta-love, which I’m okay with, and the conflict is clear from the beginning. I still really liked them as a couple. As with most novellas, though, I did wish for more areas of development.
What The author did do was intrigue me for all the other football players in the house! I hope she has plans to write them in the future.
December 22, 2019
If I were Rowan, the heroine, I don’t think I could’ve forgiven the H, Carey, for what happened, what it cost her. As such, it was so hard for me to buy into the romance between them.
November 4, 2023
Oh would you look at that, it's the Slade baby!
Carey is your typical college jock and he knows it. But he might miss the biggest game of his career if he doesn't pass an exam re-take. That's why he needs a tutor and no other is assigned to him than Rowan, a girl he might have forgotten about but they went to high school together.
Rowan hasn't had it easy, bad family background, lost her scholarship and now she lives in a windowless garage, working three jobs just so she could live the life she set out to have before that ominous cheating situation in high school.
Carey is falling hard and can't wrap his head around how he never noticed Ro in high school. But he's keeping a secret from her that could possibly end things between them before it even began.
Carey is your typical college jock and he knows it. But he might miss the biggest game of his career if he doesn't pass an exam re-take. That's why he needs a tutor and no other is assigned to him than Rowan, a girl he might have forgotten about but they went to high school together.
Rowan hasn't had it easy, bad family background, lost her scholarship and now she lives in a windowless garage, working three jobs just so she could live the life she set out to have before that ominous cheating situation in high school.
Carey is falling hard and can't wrap his head around how he never noticed Ro in high school. But he's keeping a secret from her that could possibly end things between them before it even began.
January 13, 2020
She’s breaking down his defenses 💕
Carey and Rowan went to high school together but essentially hung out in different social circles. Now a few years down the track, Rowan is called in to help tutor a football 🏈 player and discovers its Carey. Unbeknownst to Rowan, Carey is the person who changed her life but will this affect them in moving forward together?
I really enjoyed this story and catching up with some old favourites from the fighting series❤️ I look forward to reading Carey’s roommates stories in the future❣️
Carey and Rowan went to high school together but essentially hung out in different social circles. Now a few years down the track, Rowan is called in to help tutor a football 🏈 player and discovers its Carey. Unbeknownst to Rowan, Carey is the person who changed her life but will this affect them in moving forward together?
I really enjoyed this story and catching up with some old favourites from the fighting series❤️ I look forward to reading Carey’s roommates stories in the future❣️
December 13, 2019
Love It!!!
What a fun and entertaining read. I loved this story and getting to see Carey get his HEA. I love being in this world and to see Jonah and Raven’s kids grown up has truly been fun.
If you loved the Fighting Series by JB Salsbury then you need to read this novella and see what Jonah and Raven’s son Carey is up to.
This was also a great holiday read. Perfect for this time of year :)
What a fun and entertaining read. I loved this story and getting to see Carey get his HEA. I love being in this world and to see Jonah and Raven’s kids grown up has truly been fun.
If you loved the Fighting Series by JB Salsbury then you need to read this novella and see what Jonah and Raven’s son Carey is up to.
This was also a great holiday read. Perfect for this time of year :)
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